Paul Grinnell

The boss of a Peterborough company has won a national award for helping young people gain work skills.

Iain Crighton, managing director of Crightons of Peterborough, has been presented with the award by the national charity Career Ready, which links schools and colleges with employers.

Mr Crighton, who is one of thousands of volunteers with the charity, was chosen as the East Midlands representative to win the award for his contribution to the organisation.

The award was presented at a ceremony in London where other outstanding volunteers, mentors and students were also honoured.

Afterwards, he said: “I got involved with Career Ready because I was already involved in creating a skills vision for Peterborough and Career Ready had all the critical components which mirrored the skills vision for the city.

“The Career Ready programme gives students self belief and confidence in their future.

“I am proud to have won this prize because it’s a reflection of all the hard work carried out by our local administrator and the LAB members. It’s an award for all of us.”

Julia Philips, Career Ready regional manager in the East Midlands, said: “We are delighted to give Iain this award to thank him for his outstanding contribution to the Career Ready community.

“Iain has worked with us for a number of years, and supported many students through the programme, raising their aspirations and helping them to gain the skills they will need for the future.

“I know I speak for all of them when I say that this award is incredibly well deserved.”